14 DAY TRIAL // Only several days after arriving on the Nexus S by Samsung handsets out there, the new Android 2.3.4 operating system flavor was released for the older Nexus One handset as well, though with some of the new features removed from the package.
First of all, we should note that the software update started to arrive on devices over-the-air, but that the file is available for download from Google's servers as well, for those who would like to perform a manual update.
Secondly, users should know that the newly added video chat feature in Google Talk was not pushed to Nexus One handsets.
This is due to the fact that the older device does not come with a front-facing camera, which would make the feature useless. However, the bad news is that Nexus One users won't enjoy voice talk either.
Those users who were waiting for the new GTalk client to arrive on their devices to enjoy some of the new features it was launched with are out of luck.
However, there still are a series of improvements and bug fixes that would make it worthwhile to download and install the new Android 2.3.4 OS version either OTA or manually, through a desktop computer.
Those who would like to taste the new software before Google pushes it to their devices should head over to the company's website here to download the archived (.zip) update on their computers.
As soon as the download was completed, the update process would be performed as with any other software update for an Android-based device. Here are the steps:
- Rename the software to Update.zip - Move the file to your phone SD card - Switch the handset off, then reboot in Bootloader through pressing Vol Up and Power buttons - Choose recovery and wait for the triangle with exclamation mark to appear, then press power and vol up button at the same time - Select “Apply Update.zip from SD card” - Reboot the mobile phone As soon as the update process was completed, the Nexus One should have the Android build GRJ22 on it.
According to the new OS version's release notes, some of the main fixes it brings to Nexus One devices would include:
- Battery life: some users let us know that their batteries didn’t seem to be lasting as long; battery life should be improved for these folks. - GPS location/navigation: some Nexus One users who noticed location and navigation problems after updating to 2.3.3 should notice improved location accuracy.
You can learn additional info on the new software update from Google's website here.